Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Vayner.
Hi Michael, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From PICME EVENTS to NXT LVL EVENT: A Journey of Grit, Growth & Experiences
Nine years ago, what started as a small photo booth rental company — PICME EVENTS — has grown into NXT LVL EVENT, where brands become experiences.
Back in the beginning, the heartbeat of our business was simple: joy. We showed up with our mirror photo booth to weddings, quinceañeras, birthdays, and social celebrations — capturing laughter, style, and moments frozen in time. Every smile, every printed keepsake was a reminder of why we started: to bring people together through shared experiences.
The First Big Test — Christmas Eve 2016
Just when the holiday buzz was in full swing, we faced our first major heartbreak. On Christmas Eve of 2016, all of our equipment was stolen.
Imagine the sting:
our tools of creation,
our entire inventory,
gone in a single night.
For a young business, it felt like the end. But from that pain grew a determination to come back stronger. We powered through the setback, rebuilt our inventory, and went to work — fueled by the belief that our vision was bigger than any obstacle.
Hurricane Harvey — A Second Devastation
Less than a year later, in 2017, the unthinkable happened. Hurricane Harvey obliterated parts of Houston, and we lost all of our equipment again — not to theft this time, but to nature’s fury.
We watched as water flooded memories and machines alike, unsure whether we could rise again.
But Houston is a city of resilience. And so are we.
The COVID-19 Lockdown — 2020
Just as we were gaining traction, the world shifted. The COVID-19 pandemic brought lockdowns, canceled events, and uncertainty. The celebrations we lived for — weddings, birthdays, gatherings — all vanished overnight.
Instead of folding, we chose to fuel our local community.
Partnering with incredible vendors like Weddings Unlimited, Exquisite Reflections, and many more, we launched something meaningful:
THE GREAT COVID WEDDING GIVEAWAY
At a time when hope was scarce, we joined forces to give back. One lucky couple received a complete, full wedding — free of charge. It wasn’t just a giveaway — it was a message:
Our industry will survive. We will celebrate again.
And celebrate we did.
The event not only lifted spirits — it strengthened community bonds, generated invaluable goodwill, and reminded everyone why we do what we do.
Evolution — NXT LVL EVENT
Today, we stand as NXT LVL EVENT — a name that reflects who we’ve become.
No longer just a photo booth rental, we are creators of immersive experiences that help brands elevate their vision. Our services now include:
✨ Immersive Photo + Video Experiences
⚡ Onsite Laser Engraving
🕹️ Fully Branded Claw Machines
🎨 Custom Set Design
… and so much more
We embrace cutting-edge technology, innovative storytelling, and unforgettable interactions that transform events into moments people feel — not just see.
What Defines Us
We are more than event technicians. We are:
Builders of memory
Partners to brands
Community supporters
Dream enhancers
Experience architects
From stolen equipment to hurricanes, from pandemic lockdowns to community-led movements — we took every setback as a setup for growth. We chose to innovate rather than fold. To adapt rather than disappear. And today, we stand on the foundation built by every challenge we faced — stronger, wiser, and more driven than ever.
Because at NXT LVL EVENT, we don’t just capture moments…
We create them.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has not been a smooth road at all. Just look at the things we have overcome in our 9 years.
The First Big Test — Christmas Eve 2016
Just when the holiday buzz was in full swing, we faced our first major heartbreak. On Christmas Eve of 2016, all of our equipment was stolen.
Imagine the sting:
our tools of creation,
our entire inventory,
gone in a single night.
For a young business, it felt like the end. But from that pain grew a determination to come back stronger. We powered through the setback, rebuilt our inventory, and went to work — fueled by the belief that our vision was bigger than any obstacle.
Hurricane Harvey — A Second Devastation
Less than a year later, in 2017, the unthinkable happened. Hurricane Harvey obliterated parts of Houston, and we lost all of our equipment again — not to theft this time, but to nature’s fury.
We watched as water flooded memories and machines alike, unsure whether we could rise again.
But Houston is a city of resilience. And so are we.
The COVID-19 Lockdown — 2020
Just as we were gaining traction, the world shifted. The COVID-19 pandemic brought lockdowns, canceled events, and uncertainty. The celebrations we lived for — weddings, birthdays, gatherings — all vanished overnight.
Instead of folding, we chose to fuel our local community.
Partnering with incredible vendors like Weddings Unlimited, Exquisite Reflections, and many more, we launched something meaningful:
THE GREAT COVID WEDDING GIVEAWAY
At a time when hope was scarce, we joined forces to give back. One lucky couple received a complete, full wedding — free of charge. It wasn’t just a giveaway — it was a message:
Our industry will survive. We will celebrate again.
And celebrate we did.
The event not only lifted spirits — it strengthened community bonds, generated invaluable goodwill, and reminded everyone why we do what we do.
We’ve been impressed with NXT LVL EVENT, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
No longer just a photo booth rental, we are creators of immersive experiences that help brands elevate their vision. Our services now include:
✨ Immersive Photo + Video Experiences
⚡ Onsite Laser Engraving
🕹️ Fully Branded Claw Machines
🎨 Custom Set Design
… and so much more
We embrace cutting-edge technology, innovative storytelling, and unforgettable interactions that transform events into moments people feel — not just see.
What Defines Us
We are more than event technicians. We are:
Builders of memory
Partners to brands
Community supporters
Dream enhancers
Experience architects
Because at NXT LVL EVENT, BRANDS BECOME EXPERIENCES
How do you think about happiness?
My Kids. Leora, Eliana, and Kodee Jo. They mean the world to me and there is nothing I wont do for them.
Pricing:
- Every Event is Different so every quote is custom
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nxtlvlevent.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtlvltx
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nxtlvlevent
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NXTLVLEVENT
